The Colon and Rectal Surgical Division

The colon and rectal surgical division offers expertise in cancers of the colon, rectum and intestine. We provide world-class expertise in rectal-sparing surgery and ileoanal restorative proctocolectomies. The colon and rectal cancer program offers genetic testing for familial adenomatous polyposis. Colorectal cancer treatment is fully integrated with state-of-the-art diagnostics within gastroenterology and radiology. Cancer protocols coordinate with the oncology division to provide access to current clinical trials. The division provides expertise in the surgical management of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. We offer therapy for common disorders, including hemorrhoids, complex anal fistulae and anal condyloma. Our pelvic-floor facility assesses evacuation disorders such as fecal incontinence or outlet obstructions and nonrelaxing puborectalis. Anorectal manometry and physiologic assessment is available through collaborative programs with gastroenterology and radiology.

Gastroenterologists and colon and rectal surgeons perform 15,000 screening, surveillance and diagnostic colonoscopies annually, with some of the shortest wait times in New England.

The Center for Advanced Endoscopy offers patients new treatments for small tumor ablation and large colon polyp resection. BIDMC has refined techniques for endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) to minimize risk of perforation and allow physicians to remove lesions during routine outpatient colonoscopy, often without an additional procedure or follow-up screening.